USDA assigns Puerto Rico $120K to repair rural housing

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is investing $3.7 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes across 46 states and Puerto Rico, where 10 towns will equally split $120,280.

The funds are being awarded through the Housing Preservation Grant program to support the renovation of 1,147 units, the federal agency said.

“Many low-income families in rural areas struggle to afford necessary housing upkeep,” Vilsack said. “This USDA program provides grants for repairs not only to ensure that properties are in compliance with health and safety codes, but also to help people lower their maintenance costs through energy efficiency and weatherization improvements. All of these efforts make sure rural folks can live in safe and healthy homes.”

USDA provides financing to local governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations and faith-based and community groups. These entities distribute the grants to individual homeowners as well as to owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very low-income residents.